The Old Woman with the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo

 

Review

It is a twisting story, which is characterized by a peculiar mood that stems from the writer’s distinctively simplified prose and a mix of Eastern-specific culture that remains true to the traditions of South-Korean literature.  While reading it, I was reminded of Kill Bill many times.  Slower and faster parts of the book alternate, creating an environment that should be slow and close to passing due to the age of the protagonist.  However, the dynamism and bloody details of the flashbacks contrast with this, making the story full of tension, almost impossible to put down.

Gu Byeong-mu makes a minimal use of dialogue which often means that the story is developing at a slower pace, but fortunately, the author's prose is of high quality and, as a result, the reader never feels bored or frustrated. The last part of the book is picking up speed and as the story reaches its climax there are many surprises and twists pending, leading to a satisfying finale. Every thriller fan should keep in mind the name of the author and I firmly believe that it is worth exploring further the South-Korean perspective on the genre.

Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this great and exciting book.